Best cars for New York Auto Show

The New York International Auto Show for 2013 features a lean, mean Caddilac CTS, the return of the fire-breathing Camaro Z28, a hot-rodded version of an entry-level Mercedes, and lots more.

By Popular Mechanics

on April 2, 2013 8:28 AM

Photo: Popular Mechanics

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Cadillac CTS

Finally revealed to the world, the CTS looks as good in person as it does in photos. And yes, now we're even more excited to jump behind the wheel and unleash the full fury of Cadillac's new 420-hp, 3.6-liter twin-turbo V-6. Thanks to a host of weight-saving strategies, Caddy's engineers managed to shave 244 lbs. from the curb weight, shrinking the CTS to 3616 lbs.

It's not just extra letters that make this Jaguar extra-special. It's also an overload of carbon fiber aerodynamic elements and a limited run of just 30 copies for North America (of which our neighbors to the north get 5). The giant wing, front splitter, and dive planes (those things on the front corners) combine to produce 320 lbs. of maximum downforce for your track day excursions. Power is unchanged from the XKR-S, with 550 hp coming from the supercharged V-8. Other enhancements include Jaguar's first application of carbon ceramic brakes, a revised suspension, a faster steering ratio, increased spring rates, and height-adjustable dampers. All this can be yours for the price of $174,000, not including destination.

The newest Z28, a model that's waxed and waned in the Camaro line since its introduction in 1967, is getting the enormous 7.0-liter (427 cubic inch) V-8 from the C6 Z06 Corvette. And as is tradition, it's naturally aspirated. Power output is promised to be at least 500 hp and 470 lb. ft. of torque, but really the focus here is on track use—engineers shaved 300 lbs. from the car.

First revealed at this year's Geneva Auto Show, Bentley's "small" sedan makes its North American debut in New York. No longer carrying the Continental name, the Flying Spur is differentiated from its coupe and convertible platform mates by a distinctive treatment to the LED taillights. Power comes from Bentley's ubiquitous 6.0-liter W-12, good for 616 hp, a 0 to 60 time of 4.3 seconds, and a top speed of 200 mph. Prices start at $200,500 and a wide range of options will increase the MSRP well beyond the full cost of a medical school education.

The new MDX has the distinction of being the first Acura totally engineered in the United States, riding on a new platform that results in a 275-lb. weight savings compared to the old model (which itself was light compared to its competitors). Power comes from the newest version of Acura's V-6, a 3.5-liter with direct injection and cylinder deactivation that makes 290 hp, also found in the RLX. And like Acura's flagship sedan, the MDX gets the brand's signature "Jewel Eye" LED headlamps as well as the Multi-Use Display supplemental touchscreen for the infotainment system found in the RLX, plus the Honda Accord and Odyssey. Rear seat passengers will appreciate a one-touch button that tilts and slides the second-row seat for easy third-row access. When it goes on sale this summer, the MDX will be offered in both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations for the first time.

2014 Acura MDX
The new MDX has the distinction of being the... Photo-4410963.59560 - Houston Chronicle

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Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG

It's the North American debut of the CLA-class, and Mercedes-Benz put an exclamation point on its New York press conference with the world premiere of the CLA 45 AMG. The hand-built 2.0-liter turbo four is dialed up to 26.1 psi of boost. With 355 horsepower, it's the highest-output production four-cylinder in the world.

Like much of Toyota's recent new vehicles, the Highlander sports new sheetmetal and a redesigned interior but carries only minor tweaks to the mechanical pieces. Engine choices continue to be a 2.7-liter four-cylinder, 3.5-liter V-6, or the 3.5-liter V-6 mated to a hybrid system. Inside there's a soft-touch dashboard, a convenient shelf under the radio to stash and charge your phone, and roll-top center console big enough to swallow a large purse

BMW's last 3-Series diesel came at a premium price and didn't come with AWD. The new 328d gets optional AWD and BMW says the base price will be just under $40,000. While the old 335d six-cylinder diesel was the most fuel-sipping BMW ever sold in the U.S., at 36 mpg, the new 2.0-liter four-cylinder 328d promises 45 highway mpg. Expect 280 ft. lb. of torque at a very low 1750 rpm—and a new six-cylinder diesel for the 5-Series in the 2014 model year.

It's green, both figuratively and literally. Subaru's first hybrid promises to be the most fuel-efficient crossover on the market. The 13-hp electric motor is mounted on the opposite end of the continuously variable transmission from the 2.0-liter boxer-4 engine, allowing for limited electric-only propulsion and start-stop. Because the hybrid system adds about 300 lbs. (including a 13.5 kW battery pack), the suspension has been retuned and, Subaru claims, handling should improve.

For 2014, the Regal gets a bigger grin also seen on the larger Lacrosse. And, as with its big brother, a large LCD screen can now be found in the instrument cluster. Both Turbo and GS models now make the same 259 hp from a 2.0-liter four, while the GS gets unique front and rear fascia to set it apart from the rest of the lineup.

Buick's big sedan gets updated styling for 2014, with a new grille that features active aerodynamic shutters. A new interior features an 8-inch reconfigurable instrument cluster display and a larger 8-inch infotainment screen. The Lacrosse can now also be had with many of the safety features found on the Cadillac XTS (which, like the new Chevy Impala, shares the same platform), such as adaptive cruise control and a vibrating seat that alerts the driver with the blind-spot and lane departure warnings.

Another Geneva visitor, the Active Tourer, previews the styling for an upcoming "premium compact segment" car from BMW—what we assume will be the next 1-Series. It also shows a clear styling connection to both i3 concept cars that preview BMW's upcoming EV. As for the Active Tourer, it's powered by a three-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor that combine for a theoretical 95 mpg.

The new Golf, coming to the U.S. next spring, promises to be both a bit bigger, growing about two inches, and also later by 60 pounds thanks to more high-strength steel. The 2.5-liter engine is history, supplanted by a 1.8-liter direct-injected turbo four that VW says will have 168 hp and 184 lb-ft. of torque; the latter figure is up from the 2.5's 177 lb-ft. There's also a new 2.0-liter turbodiesel, where horsepower jumps to 190, up from 140hp in the present diesel Golf.

VW Golf
The new Golf, coming to the U.S. next spring,... Photo-4410964.59560 - Houston Chronicle

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Nissan Pathfinder HEV

Nissan already improved on the outgoing Pathfinder's fuel economy by 30 percent in the 2013 model. But the company is betting some customers want even better fuel efficiency and are willing to pay a $3000 premium to get it when this hybrid arrives in April. Nissan's saying the hybrid will get 25/27 mpg, a jump of 24 percent over the gas-powered crossover. While 3500 pounds of towing capacity won't match the 5000 pounds of the gas-only model, Nissan is betting the hybrid's combined supercharged 2.5-liter four and 15-kW electric motor will suffice. Together the system offers 250hp and 243 lb-ft. of torque.

In any of its four trims (Sport, Limited, Latitude, and Trail Hawk), the Cherokee pushes the boundaries of the midsize SUV segment, and not just with the polarizing front end styling. This is also the first application of supplier ZF's 9-speed automatic gearbox, which contributes to a 45 percent fuel economy gain over the outgoing Liberty. That increase applies to the standard 2.4-liter Tigershark Multiair I-4. For those less worried about gas, there's also Chrysler's new 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 with 271 hp and 239 lb-ft of torque as an option. Equipped with the V-6, the Cherokee is capable of towing up to 4500 pounds.

Jeep Cherokee
In any of its four trims (Sport, Limited,... Photo-4410966.59560 - Houston Chronicle

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Audi A3

Audi says it has tossed out the old philosophy of debuting all the hot tech on the most expensive cars, then trickling it down to the entry models. Instead, the A3, the most affordable car Audi will sell in the U.S. (expect an MSRP starting in the low $30,000s), is getting the hot tech first, including what the brand calls the thinnest display in the industry. The A3 launches this coming winter as the A3 sedan, an S3 with standard quattro, and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) in the Sportback body. Audi's mum on what production numbers for the hybrid, but says gas engine cars will come with either a 1.8-liter making 170 hp or a 2.0-liter engine of unannounced output, and, unofficially, the S3 is likely to scrape 300 hp.

Audi A3
Audi says it has tossed out the old philosophy of... Photo-4410967.59560 - Houston Chronicle

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Infiniti QX60 Hybrid

Welcome to the new Infiniti, where all sedan models carry the Q designation and SUVs go with a QX prefix. As such, the crossover formerly known as JX is now the QX60, and Infiniti is marking the change with the introduction of a hybrid model. Powertrain comes from the Nissan Pathfinder HEV in the form of a supercharged 2.5-liter I-4 paired to an electric motor.

A new grille and front fascia give the Equus a slightly more upright stance and refine the overall appearance. The interior gets updated for 2014 as well, with a full LCD instrument cluster on the Ulimate trim level (Signature models get a smaller 7-inch display) and a 9.2-inch screen for the navigation and entertainment system. What hasn't changed is the 429-hp V-8 with an 8-speed automatic.

The big news about the updated Honda Odyssey is not the new front styling, nor the revised interior with dual-screen infotainment system (also found in the Accord and Acura RLX and MDX). It's the built-in vacuum cleaner on the top-of-the-line Touring Elite Model. The Honda Vac, co-developed with Shop Vac, tucks into the side of the rear cargo area and has a hose that reaches to every corner of the cabin. A removable dust bin makes for easy disposal of all those dried-up french fries.

With the Jeep Grand Cherokee (which lends its chassis to the Durango) getting an update for 2014, it only makes sense to share the improvements with the seven-passenger Dodge. Along with new headlights and cross-hair grille, the Durango now has the "racetrack" rear LED lights like those on the Charger and Dart. The biggest update, though, is the 8-speed automatic transmission that improves fuel economy by nearly 10 percent. Chrysler's latest infotainment screen sits in the middle of the dash, and the now-common LCD instrument cluster is nestled behind the steering wheel. The Durango also comes available with one of our favorite features seen at the show: a rear-seat entertainment screen with independent HDMI inputs for both screens.

Easily the most exciting reveal at this year's New York Show (or possibly a tie with the Camaro Z28), the WRX concept previews the next all-wheel-drive performance car from Subaru. With a mean-looking snout and pronounced front wheel arches, the WRX will distance itself from the more ordinary Impreza on which it's based. And classic Subaru fans take note: There will be no more wagon version of the WRX. Power is expected to come from a 2.0-liter turbo boxer-4, similar to the engine in the Forester Turbo but tuned for higher performance.

Porsche's slow trickle of 911 variants continues with the new GT3 that debuted in Geneva. The GT3 is a harder-edged version of the 911 aimed at track performance. The usual elements are here, including a tuned engine that revs to 9000 rpm and makes 475 hp (75 more than the Carrera S), and a wide body kit that is best described as totally sweet. In the quest for better lap times at Germany's famed Nurburgring Nordschleife, the GT3 also comes with a dual-clutch automatic gear box and active rear-wheel steering.

The B-Class is mostly alien to our shores. A European model spawned in 2007 was previously seen here only in a limited run of fuel cell vehicles in 2010. For 2014, Mercedes is again sticking the B-Class with an alternative powertrain. This time it's a battery electric vehicle. Output from the electric motor is 140 hp, with 228 lb. ft. of instantaneous torque on tap, good for 0 to 60 performance in less than 10 seconds. Mercedes says the range will be about 115 miles, with 2 hours on a 240-volt charge providing 60 miles worth of charge. Pricing has not yet been announced, and sales start in early 2014.

Why mess with success? The Soul is the best-selling boxy compact on the market, and Kia stuck with the winning formula for the latest version. Along with new sheetmetal, the Soul gets the mechanical updates recently applied to the Forte, including direct-injection 1.6-liter and 2.0 liter engines making 130 and 164 hp, respectively. Passengers will find slightly more interior volume along with Kia's latest Uvo smartphone-enabled infotainment system

If the 640-hp Viper isn't extreme enough for you, SRT has the solution in the form of the Viper TA (Time Attack). With a suspension tuned for track use, the TA promises improved lap times in exchange for diminished comfort on public roads. Shocks, springs, and anti-roll bars are all stiffened as part of the new suspension tuning. Production is limited to 33 units, all orange.

The new Range Rover Sport follows the lead of the Range Rover in moving to all-aluminum construction. The result is an amazing 970-pound weight reduction from the previous model. The result is a 0 to 60 time of 5.0 seconds in the supercharged model, making the 2014 Range Rover Sport the quickest Land Rover ever even though both engines carry over from the previous model. Like the improvements to the Range Rover, we expect an increase of 1-2 mpg, aided in part by the use of a new 8-speed automatic.